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Aurora social studies instructor named Colorado Teacher of the Year

By Jason PohlThe Denver Post

Posted:
10/26/2012 12:21:27 PM MDT

Updated:
10/27/2012 01:08:59 AM MDT

Rangeview High School social studies teacher Amanda Westenberg smiles during a school assembly at the Aurora school on Oct. 26, 2012. Westenberg was announced as the 2013 Colorado Teacher of the Year. (THE DENVER POST | ANDY CROSS)

AURORA — The gymnasium at Rangeview High School erupted into deafening applause and a standing ovation Friday morning when state education leaders named Amanda Westenberg the 2013 Colorado Teacher of the Year.

Westenberg beat out 63,000 other teachers in the state, said State Education Commissioner Robert Hammond, who presented the award.

The contest, which draws from recommendations, essays and videos, was narrowed to four finalists before the morning's surprise assembly shocked everyone.

The decision was kept under wraps, and even her co-workers didn't know.

"I really believe it is a moment to honor the entire teaching profession," Westenberg said afterward. "Every single person has a favorite teacher, and I don't think anybody can say that they don't. That just shows how much teachers build on the lives of their students."

As the victor, she will attend several leadership and professional conferences in 2013, representing Colorado while competing for the national Teacher of the Year title.

She will get a chance to go to Space Camp for a week and attend a spring ceremony with the U.S. president.

"I think it's really exciting," she said after receiving a variety of awards, including cash, honorary designations and, from an event sponsor, even a cooler of ice cream.

Westenberg, who has been teaching for eight years, is chairwoman of the school's social-studies department. She teaches grades 10-12.

Her students say she works relentlessly in advanced-placement programs while challenging students in a manner that many on Friday said is rare.

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Westenberg, who was lauded for her international knowledge, spent time in China and Japan, something Aurora Schools Superintendent John Barry said reflects the mission of a diverse school and city.

"It allows us to lift up the spirits," he said, noting a series of tragedies that have gripped the city in recent months. "We're honored to be the school district that houses the Teacher of the Year."

Rangeview senior Jada Boyd was one of the students affected by Westenberg, who transformed an often-dreaded subject into something much more.

"She's one of those teachers that wants to see you succeed," Boyd said, recalling how Westenberg approached each student in class, always looking for ways to help out and go the extra mile.

"That's the best part about her," Boyd said. "She will do everything she can to help you."

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